Konza Techno City: Africa’s Next Big Thing

Konza Technology City dubbed, “where African Silicon Savannah begins” is a proposed modern high-tech city in Kenya. Konza is located 60 kilometers from the Kenyan Capital Nairobi. The proposed city is connected to the capital by highway A109, the same one that leads to the Kenyan coast and to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Retired president Kibaki launched the $14.5 billion project at the peak of his term. The project should be completed in 2030. It is among the many projects under the vision 2030 platform.

The main aim of having the Konza techno city is to nurture technological growth in the country. As it is a project dedicated to uplifting the levels of technology, all industries are included in the planning of the city. For this reason, the Kenyan government consulted International Finance Corporation (IFC) to assist in the implementation of the project.

As planned, the techno city is expected to be home to companies across multiple industries. The city will host business districts, recreational facilities including high level sports centers and parks. The city will also include residential areas that will be well planned under a controlled development scheme that will run according to the plan already in place. Investors have been urged to invest in Africa’s next big window of economic opportunities.

Kenya is notorious for big divides in its politics but despite this fact, at least the project has the support of all political players. The project is among many that the government has planned in an effort to improve and fix the neglected infrastructure that has been responsible for the slow economic growth. It is therefore open that the government wants to maximize on the growing number of Software developers in the country and the larger region of East Africa.

Konza Techno city is expected to spur tremendous investments and trade for the benefit of the country. It is also expected to create a massive employment platform both during and after the construction. The city will be a global technology hub with the main economic sectors being Telecom, Life Sciences and Education.

The construction will first be focused on a 400 acre piece of land of the 5000 intended acres in the first phase. The realization of the project will include both public and private partnership to be successful. For this reason, land owners around the 5000 acres land are urged not to sell their land by the government. At the end of the construction, Konza will provide a safe haven where people can work, play and live, within a short walking distance.